Country music star Chris Young was arrested Monday night on charges including assaulting an officer with law enforcement at a bar in Nashville, Tennessee, according to court documents and jail information.
Young was also charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, according to Nashville police and Davidson County sheriff's records and affidavits obtained by NBC News.
According to arrest affidavits, Young allegedly attacked Joseph D. Phillips, an agent with Tennessee's Alcoholic Beverage Commission, at a bar a few blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame and just off the city's famed Broadway nightlife district.
Phillips alleges that Young began following the agents as they conducted routine compliance checks at a pair of Nashville bars. It started at Tin Roof around 8:30 p.m., where Young checked his ID, then chatted with agents and began videotaping law enforcement, the agent said in the affidavit.
Agents went to the bar next door, the Dawghouse, and Young and “several friends” continued, Phillips said in the affidavit.
Young allegedly tried to stop Phillips from leaving with his hands out, then allegedly punched the agent in the shoulder, according to the affidavits, which Phillips said pushed Young to create some distance.
“As soon as that happened, most of the patrons of the bar got up and got between the TABC agents and Mr. Young and started yelling and screaming,” Phillips wrote in the affidavit. “As all agents attempted to leave the bar, several individuals with Mr. Young began following the agents and making the incident hostile.”
Two agents handcuffed Young, who had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, according to affidavits. He was arrested and booked into jail shortly after 10 p.m., according to jail records.
Young was released at 1:09 a.m. Tuesday. Bond was set at $2,500, according to court records. He appeared in court on Feb. 16.
Young's attorney, Bill Ramsey, said his client should never be arrested or charged.
“In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC must drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional and professional harm caused to my client,” Ramsey said in a statement.
A representative for Young declined immediate comment. A spokesman for the Tennessee Alcohol and Beverage Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Young won the fourth edition of the television talent-search series “Nashville Star” In 2006 at the age of 20. He received popular support and critical acclaim. His song “Think of You” Nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards in February 2017.
on him Facebook Page On Monday, Young released his next album, “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” on March 22.
Correction (Jan. 23, 2024, 11:22 pm ET): An earlier version of this article contained an incorrect photo. It should have been country singer Chris Young, not Chris Lane.
